A GoFundMe account is raising money for a central Alberta man in intensive care with COVID-19.
Butch Lyman, of Provost, tested positive for COVID May 11. He was taken by ambulance to Provost Health Centre on May 19, and airlifted to Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre on May 21. Two days later he was moved onto the intensive care unit and put into an induced coma.
His daughter Miranda Worthing, who started the GoFundMe account, said her dad had a rough couple of days, but hospital staff hoped to start bringing him out of his coma on Wednesday.
“We’re hopeful, at least. It’s definitely scary. They said things can change at anytime. They are going by hours, not by days,” Worthing said.
She said the danger of COVID doesn’t hit you until somone you know gets really sick.
“They are an amazing team at the Red Deer hospital. They are extremely busy in the ICU, but excellent care for my dad and they’re great to us.”
She said her dad has been on all the machines and medication available, and it was now up to his body to heal.
The last thing he said before going into the coma was that he was concerned about getting back to work.
“He has never asked for help his whole life. He is a hard working guy and the last thing I want him and my mom to worry about is working. The doctor did say he would have a long road to recovery once he is out. So if we could cover his shop rent, a bill payment, anything would help out,” said Worthing in her GoFundMe post.
The original goal was to raise $15,000, which was reached a day after the account was first posted. As of Wednesday afternoon, a total of $17,205 had been raised.
For more information find Help Butch With His COVID Battle on GoFundMe.
Worthing said COVID spread through her family after her daughter was infected due to a school outbreak in Provost.
Worthing tested positive and so did her mom Janet, who still feels exhausted.
She said she’d take the pain of child birth over the pain she experienced with COVID.
“It’s an eye opener for sure. Makes you take extra precautions. I was on the fence about getting the COVID shot. I’m definitely leaning more towards it now.”